Texas A&M–Victoria will expand academic programs with a $25 million state investment.
VICTORIA, Texas — A major transformation is coming to higher education in South Texas. Starting Sept. 1, the University of Houston-Victoria will officially become Texas A&M University–Victoria, making it the 12th university in the Texas A&M University System.
The announcement follows the passage of Senate Bill 2361, signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott, which transfers all governance, assets, and oversight of the Victoria campus from the University of Houston System to the Texas A&M System.
$25 million investment to support growth
Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp announced the university has received $25 million in the new state budget to help expand academic programs and services for the region.
“This is a transformational moment for Victoria and for South Texas,” Sharp said. “The people of this region deserve a world-class regional university, and that’s exactly what we’re going to help build.”
Sharp also thanked Abbott, Sen. Lois W. Kolkhorst, and Rep. A.J. Louderback for their leadership in making the change happen.
“I am especially happy about this milestone, since I grew up in Victoria County,” Sharp added.
What changes for students and staff?
According to Senate Bill 2361, all current students and employees at UHV will automatically become students and employees of Texas A&M–Victoria on Sept. 1.
The legislation also ensures that current tuition and fees set under the University of Houston System will remain in place until the Texas A&M System Board of Regents decides otherwise.
In addition, UHV employees will transition into the Texas A&M System’s group benefits insurance program, with protections for service credit and eligibility, as outlined in the bill.
What happens to existing university contracts?
Senate Bill 2361 also transfers all existing contracts and financial obligations—including bond agreements—signed under the University of Houston System to the Texas A&M System.
This guarantees that any ongoing projects, vendor agreements, or debt servicing for the Victoria campus will continue under the new university governance.
The bill also gives the Texas A&M System authority to issue bonds for future improvements to the Victoria campus, up to the previously authorized limits set under UHV.
Academic expansion plans
With the transfer date set, Texas A&M–Victoria is expected to expand its degree offerings, including new programs in engineering and agribusiness that align with the region’s petrochemical, manufacturing, and agricultural industries.
Board of Regents Chairman Robert L. Albritton said the move will open new doors for students and help fuel workforce development across the region.
Sen. Kolkhorst, who authored the bill, called the change a “momentous opportunity” to partner with the prestige of the Texas A&M System.
Student fees and campus development
The legislation also allows Texas A&M–Victoria to continue or implement student fees for services like its student center and health and wellness center, with oversight provided by the university’s student fee advisory committee.
Local support and leadership search
Founded in 1973, the Victoria campus has long served as a higher education hub for South Texas. The transition has seen strong support from local officials, employers, and residents.
A national search is currently underway for the first president of Texas A&M–Victoria.
Incoming Texas A&M System Chancellor Glenn Hegar, who previously represented Victoria in the Texas Senate, expressed excitement about the future:
“I know the Victoria area well, and I am confident that the Texas A&M System can provide the resources to take the university to the next level,” Hegar said.
What’s next?
A transition plan between the University of Houston System and the Texas A&M System was required by June 1, as outlined in the legislation. This plan addresses the transfer of property, contracts, funding, and administrative functions.
The official changeover takes effect on Sept. 1.